Coin operated aerosol spray dispenser



March 21, 1967 R FF 3,310,144

COIN OPERATED AEROSOL SPRAY DISPENSER Filed Jan. 10, 1966 3 sheets sheet 1 L T- i /@4 I INVENTOR, MARGARET R.SANDHOFE BY EDWARD o. OBRIAN. ATTORNEY.

March 21, 1967 M. R. SANDHOFF 3,310,144

com OPERATED AEROSOL SPRAY DISPENSER Filed Jan. 10, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR, MARGARET R.SANDHOFF.

BY EDWARD D. O'BRlAN.

ATTORNEY.

March 21, 1967 M. R. SANDHOFF 3,310,144

COIN OPERATED AEROSOL SPRAY DISPENSER Filed Jan. 10, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet .5

INVENTOR, MARGARET R. SANDHOFF.

BY EDWARD D. O'BRIAN.

ATTORNEY.

United States Fatent Cfifice 3,316,144 Patented Mar. 21, 1967 3,310,144 COIN OPERATED AEROSOL SPRAY DISPENSER Margaret R. Sandhoif, 2631 Santiago Ave., Santa Ana, Calif. 92706 Filed Jan. 10, 1966, Ser. No. 519,667 Claims. (Cl. 194-13) This invention is directed to a coin operated aerosol spray dispenser which is particularly adapted for the dispensing of the contents of aerosol spray cans in those locations where coin operation and self service is desirable.

Many products today are merchandised in aerosol cans. Some of such products are desirably dispensed in relatively public locations and are of sufficiently general utility to have demand in such locations. An example of such product is hair spray which can desirably be furnished in public restrooms when it can be provided on a coin operated merchandising basis. In the past such structures have not been available to tap this source of potential revenue and to provide this service in areas in which it has heretofore been unavailable.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a coin operated aerosol spray dispenser which dispenses a spray upon insertion of an appropriate coin.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an aerosol spray dispenser which dispenses materials in such a manner that the spray can be manually directed so that the user can properly apply the dispensed material.

It is a further object of this invention to provide suitable controls for the aerosol spray dispenser so that spray occurs only when there is adequate material within the dispenser, when a suitable coin has beeninserted and when such spray is required.

It is another object of this invention to .provide a timer within the coin operated aerosol dispenser which limits the time of spray so as to prevent waste thereof and so as to provide an economic quantity in view of the denomination of the coin inserted into the dispenser.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following portion of this specification, the claims and the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of the coin operated aerosol spray dispenser of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view thereof with the front cover removed, showing the dispenser ready to accept aerosol spray cans;

FIG. 3 is a section taken generally along the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a View similar to FIG. 2 showing the spray cans in place and showing the spray nozzle lifted;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged section taken generally along the line 55 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram for the control of the dispenser.

As an aid to understanding this invention it can be stated in essentially summary form that it is directed to a coin operated aerosol spray dispenser. The dispenser includes a housing suitably enclosing the operative structure,

which housing can be conveniently positioned where dissuitable coin. Thereupon, use of the dispensing nozzle starts spraying of the aerosol product. A built-in timer limits the total time that the spray can be dispensed with the deposit of a single coin.

This invention will be understood in greater detail by reference to the following portion of this specification wherein the drawings are described. Referring now to FIG. 1, the coin operated aerosol spray dispenser is generally indicated at 10. The dispenser 10 comprises a housing 12 which has a front cover 14. The housing 12 also has a rear wall 16 which adapts the dispenser 10 to mounting in any convenient wall in a position where dispensing of the contents .may be desired. The front cover 14 conveniently carries a mirror 18 to inspect the operation of spray application, and the results thereof. Front cover 14 can be securely attached to the remainder of the housing 12 so as to provide secure the contents of the housing.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 4, housing 12 carries manifold 20 which is adapted to carry one or more aerosol spray cans. Manifold 20 comprises rectangular frame 22 which is vertically slidably movable upon guide rods 24 and 26. Springs 28 and 30 are respectively positioned around guide rods 24 and 26, and are engaged between the bottom of rectangular frame 22 and bottom 32 of housing 12. Thus, frame 22 and the remainder of manifold 20 carried thereon are urged upwardly Within housing 12. The upper cross bar of frame 22 carries manifold tube 34. Manifold tube 34 carries a plurality of inlet nozzles 36. In the preferred embodiment shown, there are three such inlet nozzles so as to accept three cans 38 of aerosol spray. As is shown in FIG. 5, the nozzles 36 are of suitable structure to sealingly engage a nozzle upon each of the cans so that the pressurized aerosol spray contents of the cans are in communication with the interior of manifold tube 34. Support bar 40 is located across the bottom of frame 22. It is urged upward by spring 42 and is guided and is limited in its motion with respect to frame 22 by means of tongues 44 and 46 which extend through slots in the upright bars at the sides of rectangular frame 22. As is seen in FIG. 4, the spring loaded support bar 40 maintains the cans 38 in position in fluid tight engagement with nozzles 36.

Elbow 48 is connected to manifold tube 34 as a discharge therefrom. Valve 50 is connected to elbow 48 so as to control the fiow of the aerosol. Solenoid 52 is connected to valve 50 to control it. Discharge from valve 50 passes through discharge line 54 which becomes flexible tube 56 exteriorly of housing 12. Manual handle 58 is connected to the end of tube 56 and carries discharge nozzle 60. Thus, upon actuation of the controls, which controls control solenoid valve 50, aerosol spray is discharged from nozzle 60.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 6, as well as to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the control of the spray is furnished by electrical control equipment. Battery 62 provides the power for this control equipment. Battery 62 is connected to line 64 which is connected to switch 66. As is seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, switch 66 has an operating arm 68 which engages 0n the top of frame 22. When the cans are full, as is shown in FIG. 4, switch 66 through its operating arm 68 detects the fact that the frame 22 is in the lowered position. In this position switch 66 is closed, indicating adequate supply of the aerosol. When the material in the aerosol cans is discharged, so their weight decreases, frame 22 rises to the position shown in FIG. 2 which opens switch 66 to prevent any attempt at discharging contents. As an additional signal, opening 70 is provided in the top of housing 12 and stud 72 on the top of solenoid 52 extends through the opening to provide a visible signal of empty when the frame 22 is in the upper position.

Referring again to FIG. 6, coin switch 74 is serially connected with switch 66 and is arranged to be closed when a suitable coin is placed in coin receptor 76. Coin receptor 76 is of conventional available construction, and such coin receptors are well known in the art. Such receptors are shown in U.S. Patents 2,075,989, 2,585,718 and 2,518,095. The electric circuit in coin receptor 76 is arranged so that when switch 66 is opened, indicating empty, coin receptor 76 will not accept a coin. Handle switch 78 is serially connected between switch 74 and timer 80. As is seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, yoke 82 extends from the side of housing 12 and is pivoted therein. Yoke 82 accepts handle 58 so that when the handle is in place, as is shown in FIG. 2, switch '78 is open. When handle 58 and nozzle 60 are lifted from yoke 82, switch 7 8 is closed.

The closure of all of switches 66, 74 and 78 energizes line 84 which is connected to timer 80. Line 86 is connected between one side of battery 62 and timer 80 while line 88 is connected from the other side of battery 62 to timer 80. Thus, timer 80 is also supplied with power directly from the battery. Timer 80 is connected by line 90 to solenoid 52 which controls valve 54} while solenoid 52 is connected by line 92 to battery 62. Functionally, when all three of the switches 66, 74 and 78 are closed, timer 80 is energized. Timer 80 is preferably adjustable and is arranged so that it begins timing out a predetermined length of time. During this timing out, line 9%) is energized so that valve 50 is opened and aerosol under pressure is discharged from nozzle 60. Lines 86 and 88 maintain power to timer 80 even if one of the switches is opened. Thus, timing continues even though handle 58 is replaced on yoke 82. Furthermore, upon the end of the timing period, line 94 connected from timer 80 to coin receptor 76 causes at the end of the predetermined time the coin to be dropped into the coin box in the coin receptor.

It is clear that when the aerosol cans 38 become exhausted they rise and open switch 66. This prevents actuation of the device. Similarly, a proper coin must be received to close switch 74, and then when switch 78 is closed by lifting of handle 58, thus making a complete circuit the spray occurs for a predetermined length of time. It is suggested that 15 seconds is an appropriate length of time. However, adjustment means is'preferably included in timer 80 so that the timer can be adjusted for optimum conditions of proper length of spray and least waste of aerosol spray material. When the predetermined length of time expires, valve 50 is closed and the coin is received. Timers which can accomplish these functions are well known in the art. So long as an adequate charge remains in cans 38, the dispenser 10' stands ready to receive another coin and dispense spray for another predetermined time period.

This invention having been disclosed in its preferred embodiment, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous modifications and changes within the skill of those versed in the art and without the exercise of the inventive faculty. Accordingly, the scope of this invention is defined by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An aerosol dispenser, said aerosol dispenser comprising means adapted to discharge an aerosol spray, said discharge means comprising a manifold tube having an inlet nozzle therein, said inlet nozzle being adapted to receive'aerosol spray from a vessel containing aerosol spray, said manifold tube being mounted upon a movable frame, said movable frame being urged upward by urging means and being adapted to be urged downward by the weight of aerosol in cans connected to said manifold tube, switch means adjacent said frame, said switch means etecting the position of said frame so as to determine that a charge of aerosol is avail-able for dispensing, a

valve connected to said manifold tube, a discharge nozzle connected to said valve, means adapted to control the discharge of aerosol spray, said means adapted to control discharge of aerosol spray including coin operated means so that a proper coin must be inserted in said dispenser so as to actuate said means to control said aerosol spray before said means to control said aerosol spray permits discharge of aerosol spray, said detecting switch being connected to said control means and said control means being connected to said valve so as to control flow of aerosol spray from said manifold tube to said discharge nozzle.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein a discharge nozzle holder is mounted upon said dispenser, said discharge nozzle holder being adapted to hold said discharge nozzle, a switch associated with said discharge nozzle holder, said discharge nozzle holder switch detecting when said discharge nozzle holder is holding said discharge nozzle, said switch being connected to said valve so that said valve prevents fiow of aerosol when said discharge nozzle is held on said discharge nozzle holder.

3. An aerosol dispenser, said aerosol dispenser comprising means adapted to discharge an aerosol spray, said discharge means including a discharge nozzle, means adapted to control the discharge of aerosol spray, said control means including a coin detecting switch and a timer, said timer being actuated when said coin detecting switch detects an appropriate coin, said timer limiting the discharge of aerosol spray by said discharge means, said control means further comprising a discharge nozzle detecting switch and an aerosol charge detecting switch, said switches being connected so that aerosol is discharged from said discharge nozzle when said aerosol charge detecting switch detects an appropriate coin and said discharge nozzle detecting switch detects the absence of the discharge nozzle.

4. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein said discharge means includes a frame, a manifold tube on said frame, said manifold tube being adapted to receive aerosol spray from a plurality of aerosol spray containers, spring means adapted to urge aerosol spray containers against said manifold, said frame being upwardly movably mounted within said dispenser, springs urging said frame upward, said frame being adapted to be urged downward by aerosol charge in aerosol containers positioned against said manifold, mechanical means connected to said frame indicating the position of said frame within said dispenser, said mechanical means emitting a signal when said springs urge said frame upward to indicate the absence of aerosol charge.

5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein said control means is battery powered so that said dispenser is independent of' external power supply.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,552,783 5/l95l Harper 2223 2,754,950 7/1956 Harris 222 X 2,834,190 5/1958 Andrews et al. l94l3 3,079,044 2/1963 Flynn 2222 ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.

STANLEY H. TOLLBERG, Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,310,144 March 21, 1967 Margaret R. Sandhoff It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 4, line 37, for "aerosol charge" read coin Signed and sealed this 28th day of January 1969.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD J. BRENNER Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer 

1. AN AEROSOL DISPENSER, SAID AEROSOL DISPENSER COMPRISING MEANS ADAPTED TO DISCHARGE AN AEROSOL SPRAY, SAID DISCHARGE MEANS COMPRISING A MANIFOLD TUBE HAVING AN INLET NOZZLE THEREIN, SAID INLET NOZZLE BEING ADAPTED TO RECEIVE AEROSOL SPRAY FROM A VESSEL CONTAINING AEROSOL SPRAY, SAID MANIFOLD TUBE BEING MOUNTED UPON A MOVABLE FRAME, SAID MOVABLE FRAME BEING URGED UPWARD BY URGING MEANS AND BEING ADAPTED TO BE URGED DOWNWARDLY BY THE WEIGHT OF AEROSOL IN CANS CONNECTED TO SAID MANIFOLD TUBE, SWITCH MEANS ADJACENT SAID FRAME, SAID SWITCH MEANS DETECTING THE POSITION OF SAID FRAME SO AS TO DETERMINE THAT A CHARGE OF AEROSOL IS AVAILABLE FOR DISPENSING, A VALVE CONNECTED TO SAID MANIFOLD TUBE, A DISCHARGE NOZZLE CONNECTED TO SAID VALVE, MEANS ADAPTED TO CONTROL THE DISCHARGE OF AEROSOL SPRAY, SAID MEANS ADAPTED TO CONTROL DISCHARGE OF AEROSOL SPRAY INCLUDING COIN OPERATED MEANS SO THAT A PROPER COIN MUST BE INSERTED IN SAID DISPENSER SO AS TO ACTUATE SAID MEANS TO CONTROL SAID AEROSOL SPRAY BEFORE SAID MEANS TO CONTROL SAID AEROSOL SPRAY PERMITS DISCHARGE OF AEROSOL SPRAY, SAID DETECTING SWITCH BEING CONNECTED TO SAID CONTROL MEANS AND SAID CONTROL MEANS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID VALVE SO AS TO CONTROL FLOW OF AEROSOL SPRAY FROM SAID MANIFOLD TUBE TO SAID DISCHARGE NOZZLE. 